OK, as they say, I’ve got some good news and some bad news.
The bad news is that, like typhoid fever, it’s been around for a long time and is still among us. The good news is that we don’t have to put up with it. Bullying. Disrespect. Fraud. Criminal behavior. Elder abuse.
No matter what clothes it wears, or smarmy lies it tells, it’s the same nasty beast underneath. I don’t know if today’s permissive world has made it more common, or if improved communications have just made us more aware, but the solution is the same: Speak up!
The Albany County District Attorney’s Office has put together a program and a set of resources that you and I can use to protect ourselves from people who think that theft is an acceptable style of life. It’s called “Seniors and Law Enforcement Together” or SALT. There is a special non-emergency hotline established to take our reports at (518) 447-SALT (447-7258).
There will also be a special crime-prevention presentation on Thursday, June 11, at 1 p.m. at the Knox Town Hall at 2192 Berne-Altamont Road in Knox. Experts will discuss ways to spot scammers and fraudsters, and how we can watch out for each other to keep ourselves and our friends from being hurt.
If someone you love or depend on is stealing your money or telling you that you owe them for their assistance, it’s their fault, not yours, and you deserve better! Admitting that you trusted someone when you shouldn’t have, or believed a lie, is infinitely preferable to spending years prolonging that error. Don’t do it.
Come to the Knox Town Hall on June 11, and stand up for yourself and your friends. Information is power. The bad guys win only if we let them, and you don’t have to be Dirty Harry to stop them.
Oh, and I was obviously wrong last week; there is still no published menu, but as soon as it arrives, you’ll be the first to know.
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Well, if last week was March going out like a lamb, I’d hate to meet that lamb’s papa! Best keep your seedlings indoors for awhile yet. The lunchtime menu for next week at the Hilltown Senior Center is out, and there are things to do besides eat.
Monday April 6 will be an Easter egg game and live music; Tuesday, we will have Cards and Crafts (including knitting and crocheting); and Friday, is Bingo. Doors open as usual at 11 a.m., and lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m.
Monday, April 6: American goulash, cranberry juice, tossed salad, whole-wheat roll, milk, and fruit cocktail;
Tuesday, April 7: Baked ham with crushed pineapple, mashed potatoes, broccoli, rye bread, milk, and peaches;
Friday, April 10: Lemon garlic baked fish, baked sweet potato, green peas, whole-wheat roll, milk, and gelatin with fruit.
Please call three to seven days in advance to 872-9400 to reserve lunch, e-mail plightbody@nycap.rr.com, or sign up when you come in. Tell us how many are coming, your name, and your telephone number.
A donation is suggested, and there is a charge for whippersnappers under age 60. Volunteers are welcomed with open arms; if you’d like to come help, give Mary Moller a call at 861-6253, or e-mail her at mollersrus@aol.com, and put volunteer in the subject line.
Lunches are provided by Helderberg Senior Services, the Albany County Office for the Aging, and the Peter Young Housing Industries and Treatment Culinary Program. The Hilltown Senior Center is located at 1360 Helderberg Trail (Route 443) in Berne.
The lunchtime menu for the week of March 30 at the Hilltown Senior Center is here.
Doors open at 11 a.m., and lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m. The menu includes:
Monday, March 30: Pepper steak with onions, peas and carrots, green beans, brown rice, whole wheat bread, milk, and tropical fruit salad;
Tuesday, March 31: Barbecue roast chicken, mashed potatoes, peas, whole-wheat roll, milk, and fruit cocktail; and
Friday, April 3: Macaroni and cheese, carrots, stewed tomatoes, whole-wheat roll, milk, and pineapple.
Please call three to seven days in advance to 872-9400 to reserve lunch, e-mail plightbody@nycap.rr.com, or sign up when you come in. Tell us how many are coming, your name, and your telephone number.
Lunches are provided by Helderberg Senior Services, the Albany County Office for the Aging, and the Peter Young Housing Industries and Treatment Culinary Program. The Hilltown Senior Center is located at 1360 Helderberg Trail (Route 443) in Berne.
Our March 14 meeting of the Hilltowns Seniors was held at the White Church on the Hill, the Berne Reformed Church. 66 seniors enjoyed a corned beef and cabbage dinner with all the trimmings.
It was delicious as always, and we thank you so much for your hospitality. It was mentioned that all the seniors were in the kitchen, so maybe we should treat them sometime.
The sunshine committee reported that Fran Brezenski had taken a tumble, but she was back with us today. Also, Millie Rossman is home with pneumonia. We wish her a speedy recovery.
We extend our sympathy to the family of Jerry Miller who passed away while spending the winter months in Florida. He and his wife, Bert, were members and he was also the son-in-law of Frances Miller.
Birthday greetings were song to Fran Brezenski, Bob Porter, Scott Wright, Elsie Wilms, Ed Wood, and Don McDermott. Also, a happy anniversary to Fred and Elsie Wilms and Peg and Ernie Crawford.
Elsie reminded us that membership dues are due at the April meeting and to bring your patience. You are going to be asked to fill out new information cards. Dues are $5 with great benefits.
The anniversary committee reported that our dinner will be held at Maple on the Lake. This will be held the first Sunday in June. More information to follow.
Upcoming trip
Shirley Slingerland reported on upcoming trips. They include:
—Thursday, April 16, the Vermont Country Store. The cost is $20 for members, and $25 for non-members. Lunch will be on your own at the Bryant House;
— Wednesday, May 20, the JFK Library and Museum and Quincy Market. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members; and
— Tuesday, June 23, a Hudson River sightseeing cruise aboard the “River Rose,” an authentic stern driven Mississippi paddle wheeler. The cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-members.
Sounds good so far, doesn't it,
Call Shirley at 797-3467 for more information and reservations.
Church events
A lot of events are being held at our local churches including:
— On Saturday, March 28, the Lutheran church in Berne is having a breakfast.
— Rock Road Chapel has a breakfast Wednesday mornings. We sure do not have a reason to go hungry;
— Also, the Lutheran church has a thrift store that is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings; and
— Rock Road Chapel has a food pantry that is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Bless all our churches and members that help us so much in our daily life. Whenever a need arises they are there to help us.
If you or anyone you know needs something big or small don't be afraid to give them a call. Your journeys are the same as ours.
Also, don’t forget to join us for fellowship at the Berne Senior Center the second Saturday of the month. You might even get a free bag of potato chips.
Comment
I'm going to retire and live off my savings. What I'll do the second day, I have no idea.
Our March 14 meeting was held at the White Church on the Hill, the Berne Reform Church. Sixty-six of us enjoyed a corned beef and cabbage dinner with all the trimmings.
It was delicious as always and we thank you so much for your hospitality. It was mentioned that all the seniors were in the kitchen, so maybe we should treat them sometime.
The Sunshine Committee reported that Fran Brezenski had taken a tumble, but she was back with us on March 14. Also, Millie Rossman is home with pneumonia. We wish her a speedy recovery. We extend our sympathy to the family of Jerry Miller who passed away while spending the winter months in Florida. He and his wife, Bert, are members and he was also the son-in-law of Frances Miller.
Birthday greetings were sung to Fran Brezenski, Bob Porter, Scott Wright, Elsie Wilms, Ed Wood, and Don McDermott. Happy Anniversary to Fred and Elsie Wilms and Peg and Ernie Crawford.
Elsie reminded us that membership dues are "due" at the April meeting and to bring your patience. You are going to be asked to fill out new information cards. Dues are $5 with great benefits.
The anniversary committee reported that our dinner will be held at the Maple Inn at the Lake. This will be held the first Sunday in June. More information to follow.
Trips ahead
Shirley Slingerland reported on upcoming trips. Thursday, April 16, we are headed to the Vermont Country Store. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Lunch will be on your own at the Bryant House.
On Wednesday, May 20, we are going to the JFK Library and Museum and Quincy Market. The cost of that trip is $40 for members and $50 for non-members.
Also, on June 23, we are going on a Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise aboard the River Rose, an authentic stern-driven Mississippi paddle wheeler. This trip is $40 for members and $45 for non-members.
Sounds good so far, doesn't it? Call Shirley at 797-3467 for more information and reservations.
Bless our churches
A lot of events are being held at our local churches. On March 28, the Lutheran Church in Berne is having a breakfast. Rock Road Chapel has a breakfast Wednesday mornings. We sure do not have a reason to go hungry.
Also, remember that the Lutheran Church has a thrift store that is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Rock Road Chapel has a food pantry that is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Bless all our churches and members that help us so much in our daily life. Whenever a need arises, they are there to help us. If you or you know of someone that needs something big or small don't be afraid to give them a call. Your journeys are the same as ours.
Join us
Also, don’t forget to join us for fellowship at the Berne Senior Center the second Saturday of the month. You might even get a free bag of potato chips!
Comment for the month: I'm going to retire and live off my savings. What I'll do the second day, I have no idea.
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The lunchtime menu for the week of March 16 at the Hilltown Senior Center is here. The food is great; just ask anybody who braved the Helderberg winds last week.
Doors open at 11 a.m., and lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m. Come and check out the newest addition to our entertainment facilities. The menu includes:
Monday, March 16: Beef stew with carrots and tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, noodles, whole wheat roll, milk, and a sugar cookie;
Tuesday, March 17: Turkey with gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, cauliflower, corn bread stuffing, whole wheat roll, milk, and peaches; and
Friday, March 13: Potato crunch baked fish, oven roasted potatoes, Mediterranean salad, whole wheat roll, milk, and pears.
Please call three to seven days in advance to 872-9400 to reserve lunch, e-mail plightbody@nycap.rr.com, or sign up when you come in. Tell us how many are coming, your name, and your telephone number.
Lunches are provided by Helderberg Senior Services, the Albany County Office for the Aging, and the Peter Young Housing Industries and Treatment Culinary Program. The Hilltown Senior Center is located at 1360 Helderberg Trail (Route 443) in Berne.
The February meeting of the Hilltowns Seniors was another chilly one. But being a hardy bunch there were 40 of us ready to enjoy the day's activities.
Birthday celebrations were sung to Barbara Hindenlang, Alyce Gibbs, Kathy Walls, (who is in Florida, but we don't care), and Jean Wright.
A very special “Happy Birthday” to Ruth Mudge who celebrated her 100th birthday.
Anniversaries for the month were celebrated by John and Millie Rossman, 57 years, Linda and Bill Carman, 49 years, and Sharon and Mike Vincent 48 years.
Our sympathy goes out to the family of Donald Moser. He and his wife Roz have been wonderful in helping our organization and he will be missed.
Upcoming trips
The trip committee said there will be flyers at the next meeting for this year’s trips.There were a lot of oohs and aahs when they mentioned a trip to Boston, Vermont Country Store, Lake George Dinner Theater, and an over night trip to Lake Champlain. We are more than ready to hop on the purple bus and takeoff.
Activity
We were entertained with Valentine bingo and a quiz about Ground Hog day. Everyone knew that Ground Hog day was Feb. 2. We really are a very smart group.
I would like to remind you to watch out for all the scams out there. John Wood, our private detective, talked about some new ones that we weren't aware of. And be careful of these smart TVs.
Upcoming events
The NEAT dinner has been cancelled this month, due to the freezing temperatures, We want to keep everyone safe.
The Lutheran Church in Berne is serving breakfast on Feb. 28. Also, visit their thrift store.
Our meeting for March will be at the Berne Reformed Church for corned beef and cabbage. Call Rosemary Porter or Linda McDermott for reservations.
Stay warm everyone and remember to check on your neighbor.
Quote of the day: "I am trying to read a book to relax, but I keep falling asleep!"
As we say goodbye to 2014, we say hello to 2015. May we all have a very special and healthy new year.
Our Seniors ended the year with a wonderful Christmas party at the Maple Inn on Warners Lake. We had around 70 people and a few surprises for all. A great big thanks to Walgreens on the corner of Western Ave. and Route 155 for generously providing us with Santa and free pictures for all. Those who haven’t picked them up at the senior center can get them at our next meeting on Jan. 10, (weather permitting).
The Knox Town Band played Christmas songs throughout the party and we can’t thank them enough for their efforts. Living in the Hilltowns we get to know the real meaning of Christmas.
Our Senior bus will be back to going shopping on Jan. 21. Please call 437-5161 to make your reservations if you want to go on the bus. Remember these activities are weather permitting as it’s hard to predict what Ol’ Man Winter might throw at us.
I’m hoping to see you all at the Jan. 10, Senior meeting. This will be my last meeting until April as I am going to Florida for February and March to take care of my mom.
Happy New Year and best wishes to all.
Editor’s note: Charlotte Fuss is president of the Hilltown Seniors.
Happy New Year, may it be a healthy and happy one. If we are healthy we are usually happy. And if we are happy we are usually healthy.
(We will let the old men of the mountain figure that one out.)
So all our baking, shopping, and wrapping are done, now what do we do? I have lots of cotton yarn and I am making dishcloths. My son-in-law gave me a Vanna White afghan book for Christmas. Making one should get me through the winter.
Book club
Our book club is still gong strong. For January, we are reading, We are all Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler. How about a game day? They are always fun. Keeping ourselves busy and visiting keeps the winter blues away.
Future activities
I am going to plan a trip to Turning Stone for February. More details will be available next week.
Our next senior meeting is Jan. 10, at the senior hall.
Remember: A successful man is one that makes more money than his wife can spend. And a successful woman is one that can find such a man.
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Happy almost Turkey Day!
We started Thanksgiving early with a great Hilltown Seniors meeting on Nov. 8, at the Berne Reformed Church. They prepared a wonderful Thanksgiving feast for us. We can’t begin to thank everyone for the great dinner.
On Nov. 6, we had our defensive driving class with 31 people attending. Roger Dames presented a great course. I will try to get him again next year for anyone who needs to take the course again in 2015.
Events schedule
December bus dates will be Wednesday, Dec. 3 and Wednesday, Dec. 17 with stops at Wal-Mart and Whole Foods in Colonie Center. We can stop for lunch on Dec. 3 at Ci-Ci’s Pizza. Let me know and please reserve your seat by calling CDTA at 437-5161.
On Nov. 20 we hosted a Bingo party at the Altamont American Legion. We also invited the Altamont seniors to join us. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success for all of us.
On Dec. 13 we will have our Christmas Party at the new Maple Inn on Warner’s Lake. It will begin at 11 a.m. If you were not at the November senior’s meeting please call Shirley Slingerland at 797-3467 before Dec. 9 to be included for a reservation. There will be no cost for Hilltowns Seniors members; cost for guests will be $15 per person. I hear we will be having a special guest and pictures will be taken. Our regular blood pressure clinic will also be available. Walgreens will be giving a short 10-minute presentation on Medicare Part D. Please come out and have a great time with us.
The year is coming to an end and I want to thank everyone who helped make this a wonderful year for me.
See you at our Christmas party and please remember to bring a can of food for the food pantry.
Editor’s note: Charlotte Fuss is the president of the Hilltown Seniors.